ABSTRACT
The concept of good death is fluid and highly individualized and based on one’s perspective, role, and experience. However, cultural norms and values play a crucial role in shaping a person’s expectations about death. Recently, the Santals of Bangladesh endured significant social transformations through mass Christianization, which marked a decline in their traditional beliefs and practices. Their conversion to Christianity has brought about major changes in their perception of death. This chapter, based on a field-level study, is an attempt to reveal the distinct views of traditional (animistic or Hinduized) and Christian Santals about what constitute a good death.
